Win tickets to see these two classic groups, at the Arts Center August 18th, from New Jersey 101.5!

Chicago was formed in, where else, Chicago, in 1967.  Originally known as "The Big Thing," the band started out playing top-40 cover songs.

Chicago Transit Authority, 1969. (Craig Allen photo).
Chicago Transit Authority, 1969. (Craig Allen photo).
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Their first album was released in 1969, under the name "Chicago Transit Authority."

Self-described as a 'rock band with horns,' Chicago began writing music with a political message, and sometimes had an 'experimental' sound. They had a steady string of albums, and hit records through the 70's!

Here are just a few...of Jersey's Favorite Chicago Hits:

"If You Leave Me Now" was Chicago's first #1 hit...in 1976.

"Another Rainy Day In New York City" is a lost Chicago hit, that I have always liked...it was an "adult radio" hit in 1976.

In the "political" realm that I mentioned earlier, is this long-forgotten Chicago song...

"Harry Truman" almost cracked the top-10 (#13/1975)

By the 1980's, the band had adopted a softer sound...in the Peter Cetera era. And, the hits just kept on coming!

"Hard To Say I'm Sorry" would go to #1 in 1982.

Peter Cetera would leave Chicago in 1985, embarking on a successful solo career.

"Look Away" would be Chicago's third #1 song, in 1988.

"What Kind Of Man Would I Be" would put Chicago on the pop charts (#5) in 1990!

Chicago was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, in 1992.

Concise liner notes from the 2002 Rhino "Very Best Of." (Craig Allen photo).
Concise liner notes from the 2002 Rhino "Very Best Of." (Craig Allen photo).
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The band continues to put out new music to this day ("Chicago XXXVI: Now" was released last year)...there have been multiple "Best Of" compilations, and Christmas music albums, through the years.

According to Billboard magazine, Chicago was the leading U.S. singles charting group of the 1970's. Selling over 100 million records worldwide, they have sold over 40 million in the U.S. They have earned 23 gold albums, 18 have gone platinum, 8 double-platinum. Through their career, they have had five #1 albums, and 21 top-10 singles.

The Doobie Brothers, America, and Huey Lewis & The News, are among the bands that Chicago has toured with...other than Earth, Wind & Fire.

Check out Chicago's official website, here!

Eligible for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame since 1994, this band has been snubbed, thus far...

"I Am," 1979. (Craig Allen photo).
"I Am," 1979. (Craig Allen photo).
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Founded in Chicago in 1969, by Maurice White, "Earth, Wind & Fire" has spanned the musical genres: R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco, Pop, Rock, Latin, African, and Gospel.

Originally called "The Salty Peppers," they scored a Midwest regional hit with "La La La."

In 1970, White moved to Los Angeles, and began shopping demo tapes to the various labels. He scored a record deal with Warner Brothers Records.

The new name? White's astrological sign, Sagittarius, has a primary element of fire, and seasonal elements of earth and wind.

The album "Head To The Sky" (now signed to Columbia Records), was released in 1973, and gave the band their first charting singles: "Evil" and "Keep Your Head To The Sky"

An impressive list of hit singles would follow through the 1970's, and into the 1980's...

"Shining Star" went to #1 in 1975!

"Boogie Wonderland" would see EWF....

...teaming up with the Emotions (#6/1979).

"After The Love Has Gone" would round out the 1970's, landing at #2 in 1979.

And, finally, another of "Jersey's Favorite Hits"

"Let's Groove" would launch Earth, Wind & Fire into the 1980's (#3/1981).

Earth, Wind & Fire would take a break in 1983...and reform in 1987.

They would get a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 1995.

Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000.

Their first holiday (Christmas) album was released last year.

Check out Earth, Wind & Fire's official website here!

Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire have toured together several times since 2004!

Good luck winning tickets...and remember to join "NJ Insiders" to get the list of winning songs, and their times!!

Look what I found on my home vinyl shelf! (Christopher Knight photo).
Look what I found on my home vinyl shelf! (Christopher Knight photo).
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